Angela Habashy

Postecoglou began his time at the Socceroos helm in triumphant fashion with a Tim Cahill goal securing victory at Allianz Stadium on Tuesday.

Cahill headed his way into the record books in front of over 20,000 fans, equalling Damian Mori's all-time Socceroos goal-scoring record of 29 goals.

It was a clear start to a new chapter for the Socceroos, who looked like a revived outfit.

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They largely delivered the attacking, possession-based game Postecoglou likes to play and didn't allow the Costa Ricans to get into any real rhythm with the world No.31 side not registering a single shot on goal.

And with only seven months until Australia play on football's biggest stage - the World Cup in Brazil - Postecoglou says he won't shy away from the pressure of any lofty expectations the encouraging display may create.

"Let them get carried away," he said.

"I don't think we're about talking ourselves down.

"And if I'm not afraid I don't think anyone else should be, because ultimately if we don't make giant strides ahead I'm the one that's going to take that responsibility.

"I said at the start of the week I wanted to leave this camp with belief in the group and belief in the nation that we're going to be better moving forward.

"So if this raises people's expectations, that's great."

Clearly wanting to assess some of the younger players, Postecoglou started Dario Vidosic and Mathew Leckie up front while the likes of Josh Kennedy and Cahill sat on the bench.

While the duo showed promising signs in attack, it was veteran Cahill who finally broke the deadlock in the 69th minute with another vintage moment of aerial brilliance as he climbed past the Costa Rican defence to head home and put Australia 1-0 up.

Robbie Kruse was a real thorn in Costa Rica's side the entire game, while Crystal Palace skipper Mile Jedinak and Mark Bresciano were solid in the holding midfield roles.

The Socceroos defence, heavily criticised after recent thumpings by Brazil and France, looked the most solid it has in a while.

Lucas Neill, who became Australia's longest-serving captain on Tuesday wearing the armband for a 61st time, partnered well with Rhys Williams in the centre of defence with Jason Davidson at left back and Ivan Franjic impressive at right back.

Postecoglou praised his side and hoped the win gave them back some much-needed belief.

"I couldn't fault the players' endeavour and their willingness to embrace what we're trying to do - they were fantastic," he said.

"It was our first time together and we're trying to adjust how we do things, so full credit to them and that goal gives them that reward and hopefully some belief moving forward."

Wellington Phoenix's Carlos Hernandez and Kenny Cunningham came on as second-half substitutes for the Costa Ricans, whose squad had been depleted by injury and were largely left wanting in most aspects of the game.